It is very common for string teachers, whether they be classroom teachers or private violin, viola and cello teachers, to start their students off playing by ear. This sets up a foundation for intonation and listening. Because playing a stringed … Read More

So, what’s an Asian chick doing posting on St. Patrick’s Day about Irish music? It’s a long story, but the short version is, I got lured away by Cape Breton and East Coast music many years ago, I abandoned classical … Read More

Here are two quick activities that help string students get to know the notes on their instrument right away…. 1. The Note Circle Becoming fluent in the notes can be awkward for students. This simple activity is fun and easy, … Read More

When starting a beginner on a stringed instrument, whether it be violin, viola, cello or bass, it is important to set them up for success. On a stringed instrument, this can be daunting, what with the bow, the instrument hold, … Read More

Okay, I’m about to dive in to my favourite topic… teaching string students fingering, shifting, and how to play in tune! “What?!” you are saying? “THIS is your favourite topic??” For many teachers especially those just starting out, this is … Read More

Smart String Teacher’s Smart Fingering Charts for Strings is a must-have for your intermediate to advanced violin, viola, cello or bass students, and yourself! A good set of fingering charts should be an essential part of a string player’s resources. … Read More

Are you a violinist who plays without a shoulder rest? Do you feel that even though you don’t want to use a shoulder rest, you would still like a little something between your collar-bone and and your instrument? After … Read More

Great for the studio or the classroom, this poster makes the major keys easy to memorize! Posters are in high quality PDF format and can be sent to your local copy shop for printing. All licenses are for limited … Read More

I am SO excited to finally launch this blog, and I am so glad you are here!!! You are probably wondering, who is this chick who thinks that she is such a smart music teacher? Does she really think she’s … Read More

Testimonials

Smart String Teacher’s Advanced Fingering Charts are invaluable for illustrating finger patterns. The charts are particularly useful when figuring out shifting arrangements. I refer to them constantly when learning…
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Sharon Scanlan

Smartmusicteacher.com is the one place you will find everything you need: blog posts, reviews, teaching materials, inspiration, and just great ideas that I’ve never come across before. Not only…
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Alessia D.
- Toronto

Smart Music Teacher contains a lot of very useful resources that Instrumental teachers can use in their classrooms. I have used Smart Fingering Charts for Strings with Middle School…
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Vivian Peng
- Toronto

Smart Scales for Violin is a wonderful tool for any aspiring string student. The method is comprehensive, smartly organized and effective. The results are immediate and students enjoy this…
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